Apple Music is now in a bitter war against Jay-Z’s Tidal, after Drake made an apperance at a charity concert benefiting kids affected by Hurricane Katrina.
Tidal faces being sued for $20 million if it streamed Apple artists Darke’s brief two-song apperance at the Friday night show.
The $20 Million Tidal/Apple Music Lawsuit over Drake
Apparently, Apple Music executives were not to happy when Drake confirmed to perform at Lil Wayne’s Lil WeezyAna Festival in New Orleans Friday night, even though the festival benefits Tha Carter Fund, which supports after-school programs in Louisiana.
Lawyers were ultimately called in because the event was being streamed live by Tidal. Drake currently has an exclusive deal with Apple Music which is said to be worth up to $19 million. Sources say Apple threatened to sue if Drake appeared, or if his music was streamed live on Tidal.
According to Page six sources, “Legal letters have been sent to Tidal warning that Drake cannot appear on the Tidal stream of the festival, either solo or part of a group, and if the warning was ignored, the liabilities could be up to $20 million.
“This event is for charity, Drake is doing two songs. Why does Apple think it can dictate to artists where and when they can perform?”
Drake’s Apple Music Deal
Drake has a major deal with Apple Music. According to reports, Drake has made $19 million dollars as one of the exclusive artists who helped launched their new streaming service. The deal includes an exclusive album release and to have the actor turned singer guest DJ for iTunes Radio.
Drake, who is currently still signed to New Orleans native Lil Wayne’s Young Money Cash Money Records, leaped at the opportunity to help out the survivors of Hurricane Katrina.
Sources tell the publication that Jay Z and Tidal executives had no choice but to cut the audio and video streaming and place a message blaming Drake’s deal with Apple for the interruption.
Here is what Tidal had to say on Twitter:
1/2 Apple is interfering with artistry and will not allow this artist to stream. Sorry for Big Brother’s inconvenience.
— TIDAL (@TIDALHiFi) August 29, 2015
2/2 We’ll be back after the performance. — TIDAL (@TIDALHiFi) August 29, 2015
Tidal
